This picture was taken on Sunday, 1st September 2024, at the Governor House in Peshawar. Oxford University being well known both nationally and internationally with Alumni that rocks. Once in Dawn I always emphasised on the paper’s influential readership than merely the numbers of circulation figures something that applies to the Oxford Alumni in Pakistan, as well. From Sir Feroze Khan Noon as Pakistan’s first Prime Minister to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and now Imran Khan all studied at this distinguished institution .
Three of the contemporaries are still the running horses in the political arena, Imran Khan running for the chancellorship of the University besides his political and legal battles, while Bilawal Bhutto continues to eye the coveted seat of the “premiership”, as the youngest Prime Minister, and so Malala Yousafzai aspires to be a politician than social activist. Fingers crossed for interesting times ahead.
Once on the premises of the Governor House Peshawar for the ” National Dialogue”, reminded me of my school fellow Malik Shaukat Ullah Khan, who once remained as the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The event featured interactive sessions that began with an introduction by the Honourable Asif Ullah Khan the illustrious son of Najam Uddin Khan, a humble and noble former parliamentarian and federal minister from upper Dir , who acted as the master of ceremonies . . This was followed by a brief self introduction of Dr. Savera Parkash, a rising political star belonging to the historic Buner Valley—a land of mystics where interfaith peace and harmony thrive, and the community lives like an extended family.
The first session focused on sustainable economic development, with a keynote address by Moeen Abbas, followed by a lecture on health and its role in sustainable development by Dr. Usman Lashari, which was brilliantly moderated by Dr. Mohsin. The session was followed by the overview by the brilliant and world renowned archaeologist Dr. Abdul Samad regarding his untiring efforts in excavation and conservation.
The second session was exclusively dedicated to climate change, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Mikaeel Malik and a lecture by Dr. Faisal Khan a brilliant medical researcher at the Rehman Medical University Peshawar and Waqar Masood , fabulously moderated by Zile Huma, a civil servant from Information Group and an academically brilliant Oxford Alumna
The final session was dedicated to economic revival under the theme “Dividends of Entrepreneurship,” with a keynote address by Barrister Taimur Malik and Ali Khan Tarin son of Jehangir Khan, Tarin being an Afghan tribe, his visit to Peshawar was home coming despite being a Punjab based affluent farmer, who brilliantly spoke about sports tourism , again beautifully moderated by Abdul Wasay an Abdalian, an institution with which I have sentimental attachment.. .
The event concluded with a sumptuous dinner and an exhilarating performance by a musical band called “Khumarian,” which, in Pashto, means being high—whether in mood or from a kick of weed. I wonder if the sound of Khumarian reached Charsi Tikka in downtown Namak Mandi, Peshawar, but I could almost smell the smoke-filled air of hashish and charcoal-grilled lamb fat tail—a cultural reality for which the city of flowers has been known for centuries. I don’t know how long this high (Khumar) of intellectual discourse will last in the highly divisive political environment, yet full credit is due to the Oxonians who came from far and wide to put their heads together to address the challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—a province still in turmoil, wrecked by insecurity, economic instability, and climate change catastrophes.
It was a valuable learning experience for me and, hopefully, for the young Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who seems more like a political rival and counterweight to the incumbent Chief Minister than a supportive counterpart representing the federation of Pakistan as a symbol of unity and national solidarity—the much-needed force to move the country’s economic bogged-down wheels forward.
Thank you so much Honourable Governor for doing honour to the historic building of the Governor House for enabling such intellectual platform to the intelligensia from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who had more questions than the answers to them by the enlightened Oxon, something the Alumni of Oxford University likes to be known , that in no way be confused with Oxen, forgive me for my sense of humour . Long live Pakistan!
Post Script :Sorry this post delayed to Internet outrage at the Governor House.
